Yom Haatzmaut – Page 9 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Yom Haatzmaut Favorites in Jerusalem

April 18, 2013rjstreets

Two grad rockets fired by jihadists in Sinai landed in Eilat .

Lately, it seems that every time I do a blog post there is a new rocket attack.

By now everyone has heard of the bombings in Boston.

The first year I lived in Boston I remember how surprised I was that

so many things shut down for the running of The Boston Marathon,

it is certainly not just another race in Boston.

So too, unless you are in Israel it is hard to imagine

how business as usual completely stops

for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day.

However, there was so much to do and so many events

that it was hard to decide where to go and what to attend.

First, were many prayer services,

which followed the solemn Yom Hazikaron observances.

Then the serious partying for Yom Ha’atzmaut began.

One of the largest musical religious services was at The Great Synagogue

where Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar was the guest speaker .

A big favorite for most everyone is the aerial fly over

which was almost cancelled this year due to weather conditions.

Deciding which photos out of hundreds to share has been hard,

but here are a few that hopefully will show what is so special

about this time of year in Jerusalem.

The large flags draped down tall buildings.

The small flags on so many cars

and some buses.

Flags were out in the old Nachlaot neighborhood

and the new Arnona neighborhood.

Some neighborhoods had so many

flags on display,

they even lined the roof tops.

And of course flags are hung on the streets near and on the Knesset Building.

Yom Haatzmaut also marks the start of BBQ season, the time for mangals,

and grilling essentials are displayed everywhere.

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, is usually is filled with tens of thousands

of people on Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Tents were set up for protection from bad weather by those

who came early to stake out their claim for a good spot.

Usually the choice spots are in the shade, but

this year it was so windy and cold that a spot in the sun was preferred.

The park was not nearly as crowded as most years,

making more space for those grilling meat

and having the traditional foam fights.

I could go on and on, but that would make this post really late.

Yom Haatzmaut night is one of only three nights a year

when noise is not restricted at 11:00 pm.

There were thousands of parties,

many with young people singing and dancing,

and many ending with firework displays.

I spent most of my day with one of my favorite groups,

shown here as these lone soldiers posed at the end of a major mangal.

From around the world these young people came to serve in the IDF

and now they help other new soldiers

who have also left their homes and families to serve their people.

They are the promise of the future.

As Boston comes to grips with a deadly terror attack,

I hope that they never have to learn get used to bombs as Israelis have.

Happy Independence Day.

#Israel65

Yom HaZikaron: National Day to Remember

April 15, 2013rjstreets

Many small towns around Israel hold a community tekes, ceremony,

making it is easy to decide where to go on Yom Hazikaron,

the Remembrance Day for Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror.

One of the most impressive ceremonies I attended was in Arad,

in 2001, during the intifada.

Unlike the US Memorial Day weekend,

this day is not one of great shopping and happy start to the summer.

Israeli flags, large and small, start to appear soon after Passover.

In Jerusalem, Israel, there are dozens,

perhaps hundreds of memorial events held on Yom HaZikaron.

Last year I went to the main military tekes at the Kotel, Western Wall

where the huge flame was lit and watched over by a military honor guard.

Every year thousands attend and watch on TV.

Here was President Peres’s motorcade on Jaffa Street

on his way to speak at this year’s tekes.

Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke at a service at Yad LeBanim,

so the site was covered over for security for days in advance.

The Jewish Agency Building stage was ready for a morning program.

Large memorial flames could be found in and on buildings,

as were signs publizing some community events.

This Israeli flag, memorial candle and talit were the simple,

but meaningful display in the lobby of Heichel Shlomo.

So many choices;

but I wanted to see what was happening in Gan Sacher.

Nothing.

Other than an occasional jogger, the park was deserted.

While down the road, as usual,

hundreds attended the well planned program prepared by the Scouts.

Speakers slowly read the names of local fallen and the dates they fell.

25,578 people have been killed here since 1860.

92 lives were lost last year.

Everyone knows someone to mourn.

Yizkor, remember,

so many wars, so many more terror attacks,

but as soon as the sun sets,

it will be time to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut,

Israel at 65.

Am Yisrael Chai

Jerusalem Celebrates Israel’s 64th

April 29, 2012rjstreets

This week was a roller coaster ride of emotions,

going from mourning on Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance Day,

to the joyous celebrations for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.

On Thursday night fireworks displays lit up the sky over Jerusalem,

to celebrate Israel at 64.

In Jerusalem on Yom Ha’azmaut

the hammers were bigger, but softer.

These people were watching the Air Force fly over,

but by their expressions I assume they missed my blog post.

The annual International Bible Contest was held in the morning

and the Israel Prizes were presented in the evening,

but most people spent much of the day at a mangal, a BBQ, grilling meat.

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was the site of many family reunions,

but I spent most of the day in Gan Sacher with 400 lone soldiers.

The Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin’s mangal

served 60 kilo of meat to young people from around the world and Israel,

who do not have families here with whom to celebrate.

See more photos of the event on the Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page.

Gan Sacher did not seem as crowded as usual,

as there were plenty of open spaces for a “foam fight”

and there was plenty of the foam for sale.

I was impressed that in such a relaxed atmosphere, people made time for

this impromptu mincha, afternoon prayer, one of many that took place.

Smoke filled the sky all day,

while the weather was perfect.

Tons of equipment were schlepped and food consumed… and beer.

Israel at 64 was celebrated in Jerusalem in a big way.

Why do Israelis get so hung up about their Independence Day?

We will keep looking for answers to the question.